5 Ways To Make Moving In Together Easier

You and your partner are in love, committed to each other, and ready to take the next big step in your relationship by moving in together. You're one of those couples who is ready to tackle cohabitation.

But before you move, know that it takes honesty, communication, and above all, compromise, to make the process of moving into your new home together as painless as possible.

In your mind, you know your new home together will be a wonderful, warm and loving place. A place where you can both leave the world behind, relax and unwind. You love each other, so combining your two homes' worth of stuff into one should be no problem, right?

However, moving is never an easy process. And when the move also involves merging and melding two homes into a newly feathered love nest, it is an even more challenging task.

You have your own place and so does your partner. You know you don’t want to have duplicates of everything, but how are you supposed to combine your things and get rid of other belongings without getting into some big-time disagreements?

You and your partner may have some things that you simply don’t like. Perhaps you’ve never said as much out loud. After all, you didn’t have to live with the chest of drawers with the drawers that don’t open and close easily, or the old blankets filled with moth holes. Now is the time to make your feelings known about the things you like and the ones that you really don’t.

It's important to talk to your partner and be as open and honest as possible. You’re trying to merge your lives here, which can be very difficult! You’re going to need to be as patient as possible with each other as you tackle the task of reducing your belongings.

The name of the game is, after all, compromise.

Here 5 ways to make the process of moving in together as painless as possible:

1. Establish the look and feel of your new home.

Do you like a sleek and modern look? Do you want to have a cozy feel to your home together or do you prefer a minimalist feeling? You want your home to say something about the two of you.

2. Decide what message you want to convey.

For example, think about the color of the walls and the artwork you’ll hang. Think about the things you want to display. Do you like to have family photos out and about? Do you have a collection to display on shelves? Do you want to surround yourself with books?

3. Identify the furniture the two of you have that are duplicates.

Then, as objectively as possible, look them over. You probably have two beds, two couches, maybe a couple of armchairs. You may have two dining tables and the chairs that go with them. This is where it gets really tricky. You’re going to have your favorites and so will your partner. Which one is in better shape? which one doesn’t sag? Is the upholstery in good condition? Is it comfortable? Will it fit in the space? Let your partner know if there is a particular piece of furniture that holds a special meaning for you.

4. Look at the furnishings.

The two of you will also need to reduce the number of dishes, glasses, and pots & pans. Ask yourselves which ones are in better shape? Are you OK mixing and matching or maybe you want to start fresh with a new set of dishes and glasses.

5. Determine which appliances to keep.

Which one works best? Sometimes the one which works best will not necessarily be the newest. Which appliances do you really use? Do you or your partner have some appliances that were purchased on a whim? The ones that are great in concept, but which are not necessary, or are too complicated to use.

What to do with the belongings you aren’t keeping:

Sell: You can sell most things on one of the many apps available for your phone. It is simple. Download the app, take a picture, write a description, determine a price and you’re on your way. Most of the people who respond to the apps want to negotiate the price. Set your price accordingly. Understand that you will not get full value for whatever it is you are selling.

Donate: There are all sorts of places to donate usable goods. Goodwill, The Salvation Army, The Kidney Foundation are found pretty much anywhere in the United States. Do a little research in your area. Is there a charitable organization in your area which helps veterans furnish homes? Is there a Habitat for Humanity store? If you belong to a church, synagogue or mosque there may be a family who needs a little help in your community.

Recycle: If you have a Best Buy near you, they take broken electronics. Is there a recycling center near you?

Toss: Things that are missing parts must be tossed. Also, toss things that are broken beyond easy repair.

Storage: It’s best not to put anything at all in storage. The monthly rental of a storage unit really adds up! Think about the things you might want to store. Are they valuable antiques that don’t fit your lifestyle right now? Are the things you want to store things you can envision using in the future or when you expand your family together? Use a storage facility if you can afford it and feel better about storing some furniture and furnishings for now.

Follow the steps listed above as you go about the process of merging your belongings and creating your new home. Remember the reason you are doing this — you love each other and want to be together. Let your new home reflect the love you feel for each other.

Diane N. Quintana is a certified professional organizer who creates customized organizational strategies and solutions for busy working men and women. For great organizing tips follow Diane on Facebook or visit her website to schedule a free 30-minute phone consultation.